THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS

The Ailey School and Fordham University are partners in a highly innovative bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) Degree program in dance. The B.F.A. in dance offers the best of two worlds: the artistic pre-eminence of the official school of the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, combined with an exceptional liberal arts education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of intellectual development and personal attention. Both institutions are located in the cultural heart of New York City - the epicenter of the dance world.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW >>
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE >>
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS >>
TRANSFER STUDENTS >>
FINANCIAL AID >>
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP >>

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The four-year B.F.A. program meets the complex needs of today's dance students, enabling them to develop as highly versatile dance technicians, artists and well-educated adults. Students complete a diverse curriculum while attending both institutions full-time.

Students applying to the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program are expected to meet the following criteria:

Dance

Superior talent and potential for a performing career as a dance artist

Good technique training in ballet and modern dance

A toned, flexible, well-proportioned body

Musicality

Energy, a willingness to take risks, an openness of mind, and the ability to communicate through movement

Academic

Evidence of academic talent necessary to complete a Fordham degree including competitive SAT scores and high school grades earned in a college preparatory program

More ~

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE

In order to be considered for admission to the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program, applicants must submit separate applications to both institutions.

Step 1 - Submit both dance and academic applications.

Step 2 - Submit financial aid application.

Step 3 - Attend an audition.

More ~

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

In order to be considered for admission to the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program, international applicants must submit separate applications to both institutions, in addition to the items listed below.

Step 1 - Submit both dance and academic applications, and a videotape or DVD in lieu of attending an audition.

Step 2 - Submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.

Step 3 - Obtain an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Non-immigrant Student Status.

Both institutions are authorized under United States federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

More ~

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Students who wish to transfer into the B.F.A. program must satisfy the dance and academic criteria for advanced standing at both The Ailey School and Fordham University, and complete the applications as stated under Admission Procedures. Students enroll in the fall semester for the academic year. No transfer students may begin the spring semester.

B.F.A. students are expected to participate fully in all aspects of the program and to accomplish the rigorous dance requirements for graduation within the established time frame. The program's four-year length of study may be shortened to three years in the case of transferring advanced dance students with appropriate work in the liberal arts.

Students with dance potential who do not meet the B.F.A. admission criteria are encouraged to audition for The Ailey School's other professional training programs and to reapply to the B.F.A. program.

More ~

FINANCIAL AID

Fordham offers an extensive financial aid program to help students afford the B.F.A. Program. Eighty percent of Fordham's entering freshmen receive financial assistance of some kind. In addition to the standard need-based grants, loans and work-study programs, B.F.A. candidates are eligible for financial aid awards based on artistic merit and academic potential. Applicants must apply for need-based and merit-based financial assistance by February 1st. For more information, contact Fordham University Office of Student Financial Services at (212) 636-6700.

Note: Due to constantly changing government financial aid regulations, the data presented in this section should only be used as a guide. Please confirm required forms and application deadlines with Fordham University's Office of Student Financial Services.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

Director - Denise Jefferson
Artist in Residence, Fordham University
Director, The Ailey School

Co-Director - Edward Bristow, Ph.D.
Department of History, Fordham University

Co-Director - Ana Marie Forsythe
Chairperson, Horton Technique Department, The Ailey School

Questions? Contact bfa@alvinailey.org or call (212) 405-9124.